In case you were curious...

We've Moved

2009-01-31T13:33:00.001-08:00

Well, WE haven't moved, but the blog has moved.
Please go to www.huntstuff.blogspot.com
And make sure you subscribe to the blog or change the address in your favorites.
Thank you

ShamWow!

2009-01-29T19:08:00.000-08:00

Mike gave me this great present today, and the kids and I had fun making a movie about it.

Mike Nelson Taco Pie

2009-01-25T20:01:00.000-08:00

I know I haven't been very good at keeping up with the "updates." This new show is taking a tremendous amount of time and energy. I love it...but if I'm not working, I'm wiped out. Not a lot of time for extracurricular activities.
This weekend we did manage to sneak in a couple things. It's been snowing like crazy here the past 2 days. It's the heavy wet snow that makes PERFECT snowmen. We built this huge guy yesterday. We call him "Steve" (of course)
Then today we managed to get to the gym in ANTICIPATION of making the delicious and oh so excessive...Mike Nelson Taco Pie. It was fantastic!

Cameron lost another tooth

Delaney is giving a speech on the Pillsbury Bake Off on Tuesday

Chris is growing a beard but continues to shave his head (sigh)

I like it this way - steady, stable, forward moving.

Chicken Licken' - The Movie

2009-01-13T18:17:00.000-08:00

We are all literate

2009-01-13T17:45:00.001-08:00

Cameron is getting the hang of it. He came home excited to read a story to us. It's called "The Picnic." Enjoy!

Mommy Dearest

2009-01-07T04:27:00.000-08:00

My kids are officially "unplugged" for two whole weeks!

I got an e-mail from school yesterday, informing me that my child had only turned in 1 of 4 assignments. WHAT?

*Rooms aren't clean.

*Daily tooth brushing is being "forgotten."

*Beds aren't being made and

*Homework isn't getting done

So...

*No TV for 2 weeks

*No computer unless it's for homework

*VERY limited Wii - only if the whole family is playing together.

It wasn't exactly "NO WIRE HANGERS, EVER!" but I was not happy.

And as my Mother always said "I'm the Mom and I said so!"

Sneak Preview

2009-01-04T18:57:00.000-08:00

We go on the air tomorrow at 5:30 a.m. Wish us luck!

Kelly Canyon Fun

2008-12-29T17:52:00.001-08:00

Holy Cow! There are a couple reasons we only do that a few times a year.

1. Kelly Canyon gave us the free ski passes, and we still spent $72 on rentals. Skiing and golf are two of my favorites...and they are just two dang expensive.

And

2. It's 7:00 p.m. and I can barely move! LOL

Chris is a much better skier than I am. He is fluid and smooth and he does a great job. On my last run of the day I think I was down more than I was up. Ouch!

Delaney had a frustrating day. She probably could have used some more lessons, but we thought she might just like to give it a go. The first half of the day was exhausting and infuriating for her. Later she got a little more confidence, and had a better time. She thinks she wants to try snowboarding now. Cool! Next year, in the 5th grade, she'll get to go on the ski bus with her class. I think we'll be on the lookout for a starter board and boots and see how she does.

This was Cameron's first day on ski's and he was great! He ended up in a little ski school with about 5 other kids. He spent the whole day going up the tow rope, and sliding back down. He really seemed to enjoy it. Now of course, they both want to go back - but I think if you go back to the second paragraph you'll see my answer to that!

And of course the weather was weird today. We've had nothing but snow, snow and more snow for the last 10 days...and today when we decide to go skiing, it warmed up to 45 and there was massive melting. Boo hiss!

So now I'm going to put my tired legs in bed. Pretty sure I won't be able to walk tomorrow.

Big Vacation Plans

2008-12-28T08:46:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it's only Sunday. I didn't work Thursday, Friday, Saturday and today...and I feel like I've been on vacation for weeks! I love it. I have taken several naps, and a couple baths; the Christmas tree is down and the living room is c-l-e-a-n!
Mike and his family are coming over for dinner today. We had planned on a huge pot of ham and beans but remembered that we have a lovely prime rib waiting in our fridge for us. So now we have a crockpot full of beans at the ready, and the prime rib rubbed with salt and pepper and sitting in a pan. Maybe I can dazzle them with a delicious meal. I thought about twice baked potatoes, but think I'll opt for cheddar mashed instead. We'll have a ceasear salad and Delaney is making her special "assrolls."
Tomorrow we are going skiing at Kelly Canyon. I can't wait - that will really feel like a vacation day. It's just too dang expensive to do it much, but we like to go at least a couple times a year. Lots of pictures and video I promise.
Wednesday we are headed to SLC to ring in the New Year with Ken and Amy and the girls. (weather permitting)
But for now, it's Sunday morning - we are on our second pot of coffee, and a delicious batch of cinnamon scones. I was just wondering, is 10:11 a.m. too early for a nap?

(and here is a little cuteness for you on this peaceful day)

The Day After Christmas

2008-12-26T20:01:00.000-08:00

We really wanted to get out of the house for a bit today. It was extraordinarily cold, but we went sledding for about an hour before our faces froze off. We had packed a couple sandwiches and some hot chocolate, but we ended up coming home to eat it by the fire instead.

We did take the kids to see Bedtime Stories with Adam Sandler. I was NOT looking forward to it. With Adam Sandler, you can't really be sure what you're going to get. This movie was super cute and funny - and the children were literally on the edge of their seats.

Now we're home, in the family room, and we're going to have a little Wii bowling tournament. Delaney is kicking our butts at this game. Wish me luck.

Tomorrow, if it's a little warmer, we may head to Kelly Canyon for a day of skiing. Cameron is a little nervous, but I think he'll have a blast.

If it's still frigid...it's take down the tree, clean the fridge, Mommy takes a nap day. Whoo Hoo!!!

Happy Christmas

2008-12-26T09:21:00.000-08:00

It was a lovely Christmas for sure. Chris really surprised me this year. We agreed (and even shook hands on it) that we would not buy more "stuff" for one another, and simply pay off some little things that needed to be paid off. Not exactly romantic, but certainly practical. As we got closer and closer to Christmas I realized I didn't LOVE that idea, but really thought it was the right thing to do. Plus, we had agreed. I almost made it, but snuck out on Christmas Eve day and picked up Madden 09 for the Wii. Chris has been saying he wanted it since Gretchen gave us the game system at Thanksgiving.

Well, apparently Chris didn't like the idea of no gifts either, because about halfway through present opening, I saw a large box under the tree. Let me just say that Chris Hunt is really good at a few things. Christmas present selection is one of them. I've only wanted a KitchenAide mixer for 17 years. I've only mentioned it a thousand times. Tah Dah! I love it. I'm mixing things right and left now. Come over and I'll make you a pie!

Delaney loaded up on clothes and "can you believe I'm not a baby anymore" things like CD's, and a satellite radio receiver, and cook board pants and ski gloves. She got a Paula Deen cookbook and whipped up some scrambled eggs and ham for me for breakfast today.

Cameron was dissapointed that Mommy gave him shirts and pants and thermal underwear. (practical, practical, practical) But Santa made up for it with a remote control truck and Wii games galore from Grandpa Steve and Rita.

Chris spent a few hours on Madden 09 yesterday, and read an entire Patrick McManus book. We all ate too much ham, took a nap, and spent the rest of the evening playing crazy 8's at the kitchen table. We do love a little Christmas "togetherness."

Today we are heading out to do a little sledding, and maybe see The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. (What's more festive than Brad Pitt?) I'll have more pictures and updates soon.

Love to you all, and Merry Christmas...

Is it almost Christmas?

2008-12-15T15:18:00.001-08:00

I can hardly wait for Christmas!!! I guess I probably shouldn't have started getting ready on October 18th - now I feel like I've been Christmasing forEVER! I shipped everything to Colorado that needed to be shipped today (and LA and UT) I have a couple more little treats to get for the babies and all the deliciousness for Christmas dinner and we are officially all done. Chris and I are trying to decide what to have for dinner.

*Ham

*Prime Rib

*Turkey

*All of the above

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a goodnight,

Big Fake Christmas Tree

2008-12-02T05:09:00.000-08:00

It was easier than I thought. My whole life, I've never had anything but a fresh cut, smells good, "how are we going to make this fit" evergreen Christmas tree. Fireman Jeff finally convinced me that the safety of my home and family was more important than that smell. (and he got me a wall plug in thing that smells just like a Christmas tree)

When we first headed out and started looking at artificial trees, I did have a little heart twinge. I little moment when I thought "am I really an artificial tree kind of person?" I could hear Fireman Jeff's voice in the back of my mind.

My poor little Delaney didn't have just a twinge. She was REALLY sad. A few tears were shed as we walked through the parking lot at The Home Depot. I just kept telling both my children that Christmas is in your heart - not in your tree, or the lights, or the presents. I told them about Christmas 1997 when Chris and I had left Colorado and were living in Northern California. First year with no family. First year with no snow. It was a year with a lot of firsts in it. I told the children that we had Christmas Eve dinner at Denny's and I went to bed almost sad and scared of what the next day would feel like.
But the truth about Christmas is, when you wake up on Christmas morning...It's Christmas. The magic was there. The joy was there. The excitement was there. It was CHRISTMAS.

We actually spent that Christmas day on a foggy beach in Northern California having a picnic and watching the surfers. We threw sticks for our dogs, and walked for miles (and smooched a little bit) I will never forget that amazing day.

But I'm off track.

We left The Home Depot empty handed and headed to Lowe's to see if we could find a tree that made our hearts sing. All of a sudden Chris is saying "I think we have 9 foot ceilings"
WHAT? Do we? Do we really need 9 feet of Christmas tree? Will it fit in our living room? This is CRAZY!

Cameron, Delaney, Chris and I dragged a huge box, with a 9 foot Pre-Lit, "fresh cut" Frazier Fir Christmas Tree out to the back of the truck and headed home. The instructions said we could assemble our tree in 10 - 15 minutes (HA!) As we put piece A on top of piece B and so on, the tree really started to look nice. I couldn't believe how BIG it was. I don't think we've ever had a 9 foot tree before. It was amazing. (and can I just say to the guy who invented "pre-lit" I LOVE YOU)

We made popcorn and hot chocolate, and turned up the Christmas music as loud as we could stand it. We got every ornament we own on it. It looks gorgeous. My house smells good - thank you Fireman Jeff. All is well. And even Delaney said about halfway through the decorating, "I love this tree."

It's Christmas at our house. It's in the lights, and the tree, and the decorations...but mostly it's in our hearts. And my heart wishes yours a very Merry Christmas this year.

Delaney Little Miss Rigby

2008-11-30T18:16:00.001-08:00

Again this year, Delaney came home from dance class with an information sheet about Little Miss Rigby. This is a funny little "Beauty Pageant" in Rigby that is a fundraiser for the Rigby High School dance team. She insisted that she wanted to do it again this year. Nana came from Cedaredge to visit and play and see the show and Delaney was awarded Little Miss Sunshine by her assigned "Big Sister."
Our video camera wasn't charged (damn it) and we didn't realize it until the show was about to start. Here are just a couple of pretty stills to show you how lovely she looked in her very grown up and sophisticated dress.

Delaney's 1st Acolyte Service

2008-11-30T17:37:00.000-08:00

It's the first Sunday in advent and Delaney was an acolyte for the first time today. Royal Hunt Balcom would be proud.

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-11-28T19:25:00.000-08:00

Pink Eye

2008-11-19T05:16:00.001-08:00

Let me just start with an apology. I'm sorry I haven't written more. It's not really a good excuse, but we have been RIDICULOUSLY busy this week. Delaney is in Little Miss Rigby again, and Cameron has basketball, ans swim team continues, and it's the Festival of Trees, and Chris is in Denver, and my Mother-In-Law arrives tomorrow AND I managed to get Pink Eye!

Now, obviously that isn't a real picture of my eye, but you do NOT want to see my real eyeball. It's pretty gross. The funny part of the story is I had to get Delaney to watch the Doctor put the drops in and see how to do it because, for the life of me, I can't put drops in my own eyes! LOL She's a big help!

We have lots of activities this weekend and hopefully Sunday things will slow down and I'll be able to tell you some great stories with pictures and video.

I'll leave you with one little gem from yesterday. I picked Delaney up in Rigby and when she got in the car she looked at my eye and said "Ewwww Mom, what's going on with your eye?" I told her I thought it was pink eye and she said (and I'm not making this up)

"I'm pretty sure that's a corneal abrasion."

LOL - What??? What 10 year old talks like that? (mine...my 10 year old talks like that all the time.)

Love,

For Mandy

2008-11-11T09:59:00.000-08:00

I just thought it might be fun to post a couple pictures of my sweet little cousins. (from when they were sweet and little)

Love you girlies!

Look how handsome that Alex is! And I'm pretty sure Mom made that blue dress for me. The apron was dotted swiss. I will always remember that.

And could Mandy's shoes be any sweeter? Well, the shoes weren't quite as cute as....

THESE!

"Amanda Balcom Dunn - Put Your Dress Down and stop showing everyone your ruffled panties!"

Countdown To Thanksgiving

2008-11-11T05:38:00.000-08:00

Daddy's side of the family

2008-11-07T13:07:00.000-08:00

Gretchen,
Do you have all these? I can print them out and send them to you. Enjoy.
Love,
Liza

Happy Halloween

2008-10-31T21:41:00.000-07:00

Dinner in a pumpkin

2008-10-22T10:17:00.000-07:00

samtheory25 said...
I am very intrigued by this "dinner in a pumpkin" There are not enough serving gourds in the world.

It is really tasty! Get some friends together and try it this weekend.

Ingredients
1 medium pumpkin
1 onion, chopped
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 lbs ground beef
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 (4 ounce) can sliced mushrooms
1 (15 ounce) can cream of chicken soup
1 1/2 cups cooked rice
1 (8 ounce) can sliced water chestnuts
Directions
1Cut off the top of the pumpkin and thoroughly clean out pulp and seeds.
2Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) In a large skillet sauté onions in vegetable oil until tender.
3Add meat and brown.
4Drain drippings from skillet.
5Add soy sauce, mushrooms,brown sugar and soup.
6Simmer 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7Add cooked rice and water chestnuts.
8Spoon mixture into cleaned pumpkin shell.
9Replace pumpkin top and place entire pumpkin, with filling, on a baking sheet.
10Bake 1 hour or until inside meat of the pumpkin is tender.
11Put pumpkin on a plate.
12Remove pumpkin lid and serve meat.
13For your vegetable, scoop out pumpkin and serve

Super Saturday Numero Uno

2008-10-21T16:44:00.001-07:00

The Mormons have this great thing in the Autumn called "Super Saturday!" Basically each church plans a day of craft projects and lunch. Most of these projects are very inexpensive and are really fun to work on. And there is a woman from the church that will show you how to make your tea towels, or centerpiece, or felt turkey...you name it, you can find it at Super Saturday!

This year I have, very luckily, been invited to several of these craft days. (Get ready for some homemade Christmas gifts made with love!)

Saturday the 18th I got to spend the whole day with my friend Lisha, eat something called "dinner in a pumpkin" and work on fun, fun, projects.

(My friend Clark)

I'll teach you how to make one if you like :0)

Just a quick question

2008-10-16T05:25:00.000-07:00

My Mother-In-Law sent me this today and I thought it might be kind of fun to post it on the blog. It will just take a minute for you to answer.

Four places that I go to over and over:

Sam's Club, Blackfoot, Rigby for dance practice, Apple Athletic Club

Four people who e-mail me (regularly):
Mom, Work, Listeners, Kaaren

Four of my favorite places to eat:
The Sandpiper, Bajio Grill, Home, Sam's Club (hot dogs and samples - yum!)

Four places I would rather be right now

Nowhere, Meeker, Somplace with pink sand beaches, but really nowhere. The bellies are full, the homework is done, the Bronco's are on, the husband is home, the socks are wool, the laundry is folded, the voicetracks are cut, the phone is not ringing, the tea is hot, the feet are up...what else could a woman want?

Four TV Shows I watch

The Amazing Race, Survivor, Pushing Daisies, Desperate Housewives

Happy Birthday Nana

2008-10-10T19:03:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Nana

Chris Hunt On The Air

2008-10-10T11:05:00.000-07:00

In case you missed Chris on a local talk show yesterday, here is the audio from his two segments.

And in case you would like to own your OWN copy of Shin Deep, please go to http://www.flyfishscribe.com/ and order away.

Segment 1:

Segment 2:

Look What I Made

2008-10-10T07:39:00.000-07:00

Neal Larson and his wife Esther had a new baby girl this week. Her name is Anna Elizabeth Larson. That is FIVE for the Larson clan. Whew - more power to them. I'm so good with just 2!

Because I'm getting sooooooooo crafty, I made Neal's baby girl this pretty little baby blanket.
I LIKE to sew. I just need to do it more so it stays in my brain. I can't stand re-learning my sewing machine every time I want to make a new project.
By the way. You are all getting something "crafty" for Christmas. Get ready to be amazed!
Love,

It must be Fall

2008-10-09T06:21:00.001-07:00

We have had chili, stew, and ham and beans in the crockpot.
I have been making and canning homemade jam.
The Bronco's are 4 and 1.
I got out all the yarn and spent the whole night working on a baby hat for my friend Clark.

Yup! It must be Autumn in Idaho.

PS: Saturday's forecast calls for snow and highs near 40 degrees! Whoo Hoo - bring it on!

Food...Glorious Food...

2008-10-05T17:32:00.000-07:00

We spent an obscene amount of money at Sam's Club today, and it wasn't on snacks and crap. We bought meat...and canned goods...and coffee, sugar, and pinto beans. We made a big pot of ham and beans for "Dunch/Linner" and spent the rest of the day watching football, taking naps and folding laundry.
Mandy, Sam and Mom will all appreciate ther joy of my neatly arranged, and fully stocked pantry. If you need cream of mushroom soup...I'm your girl! LOL

And sometimes you laugh 'til you cry

2008-10-05T08:17:00.000-07:00

Sort of back to normal

2008-10-03T11:59:00.000-07:00

Proof positive that "life goes on." It's been about 2 weeks since Wayne died, and most everything is back to normal now. The job is okay...different, but okay. They are looking for a new Program Director/Morning Show guy - but in the interim I'm sort of doing the work.

Our life at home is getting back to normal too. Cameron had his last Flag Football game last night and we took the team out for pizza at Craigo's.

Delaney is loving swim team and looks super cute in her "competition suit" and red swim cap. She has practice Monday and Wednesday...dance on Tuesday...and enjoys the nothingness of Thursday and Friday!

There really is NOTHING this Thursday and Friday as both kids were out of school. I'm about to leave the studio (it's Friday 1:00 p.m.) and head home. We are debating between an afternoon of family fun at the pool, or a movie.

Tomorrow we are packing a picnic and heading to Cave Falls. We need a little hiking, and a turkey sandwich, and a peek at all the leaves that are turning. It should be a nice afternoon. I'll take the video camera and make sure I get you some "outdoor action." LOL Wouldn't want you to miss a minute.

I hope YOU have a good weekend too. This is my favorite time of year. I'm determined to get out there and enjoy it.

Love, love, love...

And then my friend died

2008-09-24T11:13:00.000-07:00

It is with a sad heart here at Classy 97 that we tell you our friend and long-time colleauge Wayne Richards has passed away. Wayne was snorkeling with family in Hawaii over the weekend when he went under and did not resurface. His family was able to get him to shore and administer CPR until emergency personnel arrived. Wayne was taken to St. Francis Hospital on Oahu where Doctors placed him on life support. Sunday evening at 10:30 pm, surrounded by his wife, three children, and their families, life support was removed. Wayne passed away September 21st, 2008. Wayne was 54 years old.

He will be greatly missed, not only by all of us here at Riverbend Communications, but by the many friends he has made over the years. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time.

Busy, Busy, Busy

2008-09-19T12:29:00.000-07:00

Let's wrap this week up shall we?

Sunday - Delaney turns 10 with all the appropriate birthday hoopla. That night she tells us she would like to audition for the Missoula Children's Theater production of The Princess & The Pea.
Monday - Auditions 4 - 6:30 She gets a part (of course!) Home for homework and off to bed.
Tuesday - MCT rehearsal 4 - 6:00 Cameron has football practice 6:30 - 7:30 Homework, showers, bed!
Wednesday - MCT rehearsal 4 - 8:30! Yep - you read that right! While she is at Eagle Rock Jr. High School, Chris and Cameron and I managed to make and can 2 very nice pints of Homemade Hucklberry jelly. Delicious! And it's double good because we made it from Hucklberries we picked ourselves. (Very Ma Ingalls of me) We also realized that Thursday is the PACE rocket launch. Dad is now sitting at the kitchen table making the rocket out of two 2 liter pop bottles because poor Delaney is just NOT going to have time this week.
Thursday - Delaney is back at play practice 4 - 8:30. That means Cameron needs to launch her rocket for her at Community Park at 5:00.Then Chris and I volunteered to help at the Rocket Launch...he is launching, I'm cooking hot dogs for the fundraiser. We finish at 6:15 which is good, because we have to run across the park. Cameron's flag football game starts at 6:30. GO KILLER BEES. Cameron scores a touchdown, but the Bees still lose.
Friday - Chris and Cameron are going to meet the rest of the team and go to the Skyline High School Homecoming game so the little boys, can see how the BIG boys play. Delaney is back at the Jr. High for practice until 8:30 again tonight. (she gets to take a dinner with her)
I am staying home, in my pj's, drinking gin and making peach jam! LOL
Saturday - Cameron's game is at noon at Community Park. Delaney's Matinee is at 3:00 and the night show is at 7:00. I will take lots of videos - I promise!

Whew! We are not leaving the house on Sunday. We aren't answering the phone. We are huddling up and no one has to do anything they don't want to for 24 hours. Because guess what...Monday it starts all over again. LOL

All our love,

Shin Deep: A Fly Fisher's Love for Living Water

2008-09-18T19:48:00.000-07:00

Hi all... the new book is now available online at https://www.createspace.com/3348327, and it looks like it'll eventually be availabe on bookshelves nationwide. You can also get it at Amazon.com, but if you go the above link, you can get a 20 percent discount by entering YBXAJ7LD in the discount code box.

The book, "Shin Deep: A Fly Fisher's Love for Living Water," is a compilation of fly fishing essays from all over over North America. I've been fortunate enough to travel to some great places over the last few years, and I've managed to tote a fly rod along for most of those trips. I hope you enjoy the book, should you decide to buy it... I'd love to hear from you if and when you do!

Go on and be who you are

2008-09-18T10:30:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to you

2008-09-17T12:15:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Delaney!

We had a great weekend with Nana and Grandpa Jim in Salt Lake City, Utah. Ken and Amy and Mamie and Amelia came and we all played at Lagoon all day Saturday. Big fun on the big rides! Got home Sunday afternoon and, for the 8th time in 10 years, made Delaney "Thanksgiving Dinner" for her birthday. We just substitute a chicken for the turkey and it's a great "warm up" to the holidays! This year Delaney asked for a pumpkin bundt cake with cream cheese frosting. Perfect! We ate way too much.

Double Digits!

2008-09-11T04:49:00.000-07:00

I'm sort of struggling with Delaney turning 10. It surprises me - I've always celebrated her milestones! This time, I seem to be kind of weepy and nostalgic.

She thinks Sunday can't get here fast enough, and I would stop time today if I could.

I think it's one of those universal parenting questions. "How did those 10 years go SO quickly?"

Picking huckleberries

2008-09-09T14:19:00.000-07:00

We spent Sunday "in the woods" near beautiful Ashton, Idaho, picking two freezer bags full of delicious huckleberries... the four of us wandered through the aspens and lodgepoles and picked berries for a good hour before we gave up and held the kids' first target practice session with a BB-gun. We had a ball... and we now have a TON of ripe huckleberries!

Just Do It

2008-09-09T06:09:00.001-07:00

The Fair is over! I miss the fun, but I'm glad to put the food behind me. (oh no...is that MY behind?!)

I managed to get back to the gym yesterday for the first time in more than a week. I was determined to start undoing the damage I did last week at the fair.

Ran a little 5K on the treadmill at 5 mph and I'm feeling good about it. My goal is do that every day this week!

The Race For The Cure is coming up on October 11 in Idaho Falls. The kids and I did it last year, but it was mostly walking (except for Cameron who did the whole thing on his scooter!) This year Delaney and I really want to run, run, run, and see if we can finish it in 40 minutes. Who knows what we'll do with the Cameroon.

Oh my goodness, I can't believe I ate that friend Twinkie. That was a bad idea!

If you are looking for me, I'll be in the gym!

Movies are on the way!

2008-09-09T05:58:00.000-07:00

I have a camera FULL of fun little movies and I can't wait to show them to you. UNFORTUNATELY, my laptop fell off the kitchen counter and is broken. (My friend David says we can have a new screen in it by the weekend - fingers crossed.)

You can look forward to - - -

Cameron Hunt starring in "Killer Bees" The true story of a handsome 1st grader and his first week in the Idaho Falls Flag Football League

Delaney Hunt starring in " 'Laney Get Your Gun" 1 girl, 1 gun, and a handfull of BB's - It's the feel good family film of the week.

Chris Hunt in "Is that a Bigfoot?!" See a charming Idaho Family go into the woods for an innocent afternoon of berry picking, only to be terrorized by the creature no one but Dad could see.

As soon as I get my computer fixed, I'll be an editing fool. Thanks for your patience.

One More From The Fair

2008-09-08T12:12:00.001-07:00

These are just the pictures we took on Saturday in the booth. My Goodness I had fun! Who knew? Hanging out with the Smith family was the highlight of Fair Week for me. I honestly hope someone has another baby next year so I can go back!
(Thanks Lisha and Ryan and Gretchen! I appreciate you inviting me.)

Peanut Butter Cookie Contest

2008-09-08T11:50:00.000-07:00

Here are our recipes - try them for yourself!

Double Delight Peanut Butter Cookies Million Dollar Winner in the 2007 Pillsbury Bake-Off! INGREDIENTS: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1/4 cup Fisher® Dry Roasted Peanuts, finely chopped
1/4 cup Domino® or C&H® Granulated Sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup JIF® Creamy Peanut Butter 1/2 cup Domino® or C&H® Confectioners Powdered Sugar
1 roll (16.5 oz) Pillsbury® Create ‘n Bake® refrigerated peanut butter cookies, well chilled DIRECTIONS: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. Heat oven to 375°F. In small bowl, mix chopped peanuts, granulated sugar and cinnamon; set aside.
2. In another small bowl, stir peanut butter and powdered sugar until completely blended. Shape mixture into 24 (1-inch) balls.
3. Cut roll of cookie dough into 12 slices. Cut each slice in half crosswise to make 24 pieces; flatten slightly. Shape 1 cookie dough piece around 1 peanut butter ball, covering completely. Repeat with remaining dough and balls.
4. Roll each covered ball in peanut mixture; gently pat mixture completely onto balls. On ungreased large cookie sheets, place balls 2 inches apart. Spray bottom of drinking glass with CRISCO® Original No-Stick Cooking Spray; press into remaining peanut mixture. Flatten each ball to 1/2-inch thickness with bottom of glass. Sprinkle any remaining peanut mixture evenly on tops of cookies; gently press into dough.
5. Bake 7 to 12 minutes or until edges are golden brown. Cool 1 minute; remove from cookie sheets to cooling rack. Store tightly covered. _________________________________________________________
Betty Crocker Peanut Butter Cookies
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/4 cup shortening
1/4 cup butter or margarine, softened
1 egg
1 1/4 cups Gold Medal® all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1. Mix sugars, peanut butter, shortening, butter and egg in large bowl. Stir in remaining ingredients. Cover and refrigerate about 2 hours or until firm.
2. Heat oven to 375ºF.
3. Shape dough into 1 1/4-inch balls. Place about 3 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet. Flatten in crisscross pattern with fork dipped into sugar.
4. Bake 9 to 10 minutes or until light golden brown. Cool 5 minutes; remove from cookie sheet. Cool on wire rack.

Fryin' stuff at the fair

2008-09-08T10:59:00.001-07:00

Disgusting!

2008-09-08T10:56:00.003-07:00

I don't know if I posted these pictures or not but when I dumped my camera today, these were on here. This is mid-summer, at the Chukars game. This guy was sitting in front of me. Try not to throw up - LOL!

Our week in pictures

2008-09-08T10:38:00.000-07:00

John McCain

2008-09-04T20:08:00.000-07:00

I love John McCain. He is a hero and a patriot and he deserves nothing but respect from every American. But John McCain is not the man I want to be my President.

THE G.O.P.

2008-09-04T05:39:00.000-07:00

Chris and I tried to watch Sarah Palin's speech at the Republican National Convention last night, but I just couldn't get that far.
The rhetoric and the bumper sticker sound bites just kill me. It's exhausting!!! I can't listen to it. They don't have anything to say - it's just a pep rally.
And both parties are equally guilty! I get so tired of all the "Hooray for us!" speeches.

I'm so mad at John Edwards I can barely stand it.
I'm offended that John McCain thinks he can choose Sarah Palin and I'll think she's Hillary Clinton.

It's going to be a LONG couple of months for me. I may actually lose my mind this time.
I have sent for my Obama/Biden 2008 bumper sticker, and I'll put a yard sign up (although it won't do any good in Idaho Falls) and I'll try not to get so worked up. (sigh)

For your FREE Sticker - https://pol.moveon.org/barackstickers/
For your FREE Button - https://pol.moveon.org/obamabuttons/?rc=homepage

Love, Love, Love

2008-09-03T07:24:00.000-07:00

I made the blog look pink and girly with hearts and flowers because today is our Anniversary. Chris and I have been married 16 years today.

We say it all the time...It hasn't been "easy" but it's certainly not hard.

I love you Honey.

xxxooo

I've been in an accident

2008-09-02T18:17:00.000-07:00

I'm so jealous!

2008-09-02T09:45:00.000-07:00

Wayne got to go to Alaska for a quick fishing trip. These are a few of his pictures. Whales, Salmon, Sea Lions - I almost feel bad about not taking the job in Anchorage.

It's Autumn in Idaho

2008-09-02T05:34:00.000-07:00

Saturday we had high temperatures of 95...Sunday it got to 75...and yesterday it was 65 and rainy most of the day.

The kids are back in school - the Labor Day weekend is behind us - the State Fair is in full swing - and there is football on TV.

Cameron starts Flag Football today through the Rec. Center. Chris is coaching and the first game is Saturday. We'll have updates and pictures soon.

Happy Fall to you my friends. It's my favorite time of the year!

Busted!

2008-08-26T08:55:00.001-07:00

Guess who appeared on the front page of the Post Register this morning.

Now guess who got 37 e-mails admonishing her for not wearing her helmet.

Ack!

Liza Raley rides her bike on a sidewalk along 17th Street in Idaho Falls on Monday, feeling momentarily safe in the absence of passing cars. Raley, who said she typically wears a helmet, thinks a lack of bike lanes in the city puts cyclists at risk, which is why she rides on the sidewalk even though she knows it's against the rules.

First Day Of School - 2008

2008-08-25T09:03:00.000-07:00

And now I'm going out to lunch with my friend Kaaren! Who is a lady of leisure today? It's ME!

Holiday Dish & Treat Cook-Off

2008-08-25T08:23:00.001-07:00

She was great! Isn't that cookie thing pretty? She didn't win, but she scored very well and all the judges were impressed that a 9 year old could make something so great. One woman even asked her for the recipe. It was nice!

I was so full! There were 24 things to eat. 14 "treats" and 10 dishes. We had sweet potatoes, stuffing, flank steak (so good) a pork tenderloin (the winner) a beautiful chocolate cake with fresh raspberries, cupcakes....Holy Cow! It was actually hard to eat all that! It was fun and I hope they ask me to do it again next time!

We think Delaney will be in the November issue of Idaho Falls Magazine. If she is, I'll buy up all the copies and send you each one.

From Chris' Camera

2008-08-22T18:54:00.001-07:00

It's Friday night, and we decided BEFORE we parked ourselves in front of the TV for more Olympic fun, we better actually move our bodies around a little bit. We loaded up the bikes and headed to the new Snake River Landing development here in Idaho Falls.
This is really incredible. It will be kind of like the Gateway Center in SLC (for those of you who know SLC) Lots of upscale commercial property, beautifully mixed with residential. They have taken what was a dilapidated warehouse district along the river, and turned it into a real jewel for Idaho Falls.
The Greenbelt, that goes right around our beautiful falls, now extends across two major roads and winds down through this area. They built a couple tunnels UNDER those major roads I just mentioned so the kids are always safe. We can ride to 6 different restaurants, the library, the museum, or just loop up around the falls and feed the ducks. It's pretty cool (Take THAT Anchorage, Alaska!)
We took a couple snapshots on the new pier overlooking the Snake River just to post here on the blog. When I went to take them off Chris' camera, I found these pictures of the boys camping trip.
On a Friday night, a couple weeks ago, Chris and Cameron took off to spend one night in the wilderness in a pup tent. (good for you...have at it!) Chris took a couple cute pictures of the baby enjoying some "smarshmellows" and hanging by the fire. I put those in with the bike ride snapshots and some of the kids just messing around.
Don't forget to cross your fingers for Delaney tomorrow. It's her first cooking competition and she's pretty excited. I hope to be able to post tomorrow with good news!
All our love,

What's been going on?

2008-08-18T19:32:00.000-07:00

I went through my digital camera, the video camera, and my new favorite recording device...my Blackberry, and I just didn't find anything too darn exciting. We are spending the last few days before school starts in the pool and we are loving it. When I'm not at work, or at the pool, we are here in the basement watching the Olympics.

Delaney decided to drop basketball and join the swim team this year. I think she has been more than inspired by Michael Phelps and Dara Torres and Natalie Coughlin. She will stick with the ballroom dancing and join the swim team and we are capping the "activities" at two.

Cameron is all signed up for 1st grade flag football. When people ask him if he's excited about 1st grade, he says "I'm excited about football!" (You had to be in 1st grade to play flag football so this is a big year for him.) I think it only goes 6 weeks, and then he'll be on to basketball. And again...the 2 activities per year rule will apply.

Delaney has been watching the Food Network (thanks Grandma) and she's been inspired by the Challenge shows. This weekend the 23rd, she's entering her first cooking competition. She'll make the Nutty Carmel Cookie Tart we posted a few weeks ago. We saw it on the Pillsbury Bake-Off and have made it a couple times. It's not my favorite, but she can make it by herself, and that's important. The contest is actually the Idaho Falls Magazine Holiday Dish and Treat Cook Off. I am judging, but will know what her treat is and not score that one. She's pretty excited and we're excited for her. She COULD win $250 so keep your fingers crossed for her.

Then the State Fair gets underway beginning August 30. I thought I would make a pan of cornbread and give it a shot again. Idaho doesn't seem to like my cornbread, but I just keep trying. There are 2 other contests I thought maybe Delaney and I could enter together. There is a brownie contest (and I think those Hershey brownies we've been making for years could take the big ribbon) and there is a Peanut Butter cookie contest. These are separate from the fair entries - these are for CASH! LOL Again, I think we'll borrow the recipe from the woman who won the million dollar prize at the Pillsbury Bake-Off. She won a million bucks for making peanut butter cookies.

This last weekend we enjoyed a full day of fun at Taylor Crossing Summer Days. I can't believe it, but I didn't take a single picture! But I did manage to shoot this little bit of video of the children in a doughnut eating contest. They tied for 1st (I'm so proud) and won T-shirts, and a lunch certificate to the pizza joint up the street from us.

Then, later that night we went and saw Transformers on a huge inflatable screen FREE (and they even threw in the popcorn and soda) It was a fun weekend for sure.

We did a little school clothes shopping, and I'll get Delaney to try on some outfits and give you a virtual fashion show. I think she's most excited about her new book bag. It's not a backpack, but more like a denim attache. It's very grown up...which is important when you're in the 4th grade.

Cameron was extremely impatient with the school clothes shopping process. He was less than thrilled to be trying on SEVERAL pairs of pants. He kept insisting that he already HAS pants at home. LOL Boys are so different from girls. Delaney could have spent the whole day at Old Navy, trying on jeans, jeans, and more jeans!

Chris is in Wyoming...(again)...and we are hoping he'll be home on Wednesday. I will take off Monday the 25th, and stay home for the 1st day of school. Wayne used to fuss at me about it, but now he is resigned to it, and everyone knows that I stay home for the 1st day of school.

I had a little excitement over the past couple of weeks. I got offered a job in Anchorage, Alaska. I never really considered it, but had a 10 minute panic attack today, and was convinced we needed to pack it all up and head to the Last Frontier. Then I calmed down, and thought of all the good stuff happening right now in Idaho Falls, and I will call them tomorrow and say "Thanks, but no thanks." It was a very nice offer though and I will file all the compliments away in the part of my brain that hangs onto stuff like that.

Chris and I are excited about my almost 40% pay increase...I didn't get a raise, but for the 1st time in many years we won't have any daycare expenses. Both children will be in school from 9 - 3 and I am home by 3 every afternoon! We are going to keep hoarding most of the "raise" away, and pretend nothing has changed, but I bet we'll notice the difference pretty quickly. It's hard to believe that almost 40% of my paycheck went to daycare every month.

Well, that's it for the minutia. More pictures and videos soon...I promise.

HaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHa!!!!!

2008-08-13T06:59:00.000-07:00

Is it too small? Can you read it? I can't seem to make it any bigger, but squint your eyes and read this strip. It's Alex, Chris, Cameron, Xander & Matt...I'm cutting it out and sticking it on my fridge. Too funny!

Not my kids

2008-08-12T10:05:00.001-07:00

All right, I realize that most of you that read this blog, really only care about what MY kids are doing...but this little video makes me laugh so hard everytime I see it. The look on the big brothers face is so fantastically cute and funny, I just can't get over it.

It is less cute around my house right now. We are ALL ready for some Back To School action. Last night Delaney hit Cameron with a baseball. Nope, she didn't throw it at him. She picked it up in her fist and hit him WITH THE BASEBALL. Like it was a rock or something! They both went to bed at 6:45. (tee hee)

Sometimes you just gotta' laugh...and here's Charlie!

I may have a problem

2008-08-12T06:26:00.001-07:00

I have just realized I am extremely susectible to Mascara Commercials! Everytime I see a new brand (or new packaging) I feel compelled to go right out and buy it.

Maybe it's because I have little stubby eyelashes.

Maybe it's because I don't wear a lot of make-up, but mascara is a staple for me.

Maybe it's because their commercials are so dang slick.

But Chris has put a poster in all area drugstores, grocery stores, and other places that sell health and beauty products. DO NOT SELL MASCARA TO THIS WOMAN!

So much fun

2008-08-08T18:06:00.000-07:00

The Best Surprise Ever

2008-08-08T16:48:00.000-07:00

I'm SO Excited!

2008-08-03T07:03:00.001-07:00

We are off to Disneyland today! The kids STILL DON'T KNOW! I have secretly packed for them and we will leave about 3:00 this afternoon.

I'll video the surprise announcement for you.

They are going to FLIP OUT!!!!!

Cross your fingers for us - I am SO EXCITED!!!

Really?

2008-08-01T05:55:00.000-07:00

Something is wrong with Hannah. She's been itching like crazy lately. We took her in for a haircut and they gave her a special shampoo and conditioner. She LOOKED gorgeous, but the itching continued. Then we noticed she had some little sores on her chest and back where she has been chewing to get at those itches! Chris took her to the vet yesterday.

You won't belive it...My dog has ALLERGIES!

She has to take allergey medicine just like me. I've never heard of a dog with allergies. Our little family is so weird.

New Pictures

2008-07-28T05:28:00.000-07:00

Had a nice visit with Steve and Rita in late June. Rita e-mailed these pictures last night. We LOVE new pictures!!!

3 Dog Night!

2008-07-26T21:47:00.000-07:00

Wow! Just got home from the 3 Dog Night show at the Civic Auditorium. We were only mildly excited about this show, but we more than impressed when things got under way.

Since I'm such a "Big Celebrity" Wayne and I got to introduce the band. This was a huge benefit, since when we got there the line was around the block and we didn't have to wait to go in. Also, we got seats in the 5th row. Nice!

These guys are about 100 years old, but MAN CAN THEY STILL SING! Here is Chris' favorite song of the night. Enjoy!!!

What is better than sleeping in the tent?

2008-07-26T02:34:00.001-07:00

I thought they would be inside in an hour, but it's 3:37 a.m. right now and they kiddo's seem to have made it through the night in the 2 man tent in the backyard. We put Hannah out there with them for extra "security" and everything seems to have worked out great!

Alex and I used to LOVE sleeping in the backyard in the tent. I almost wanted to take my sleeping bag out there and join them...almost

Argh Technology

2008-07-23T04:53:00.000-07:00

I got a new Blackberry. I'm not sure why I need this thing, but we are doing a years worth of live morning show commercials and they want us to have and use the phone so we know what we're talking about. Personally, I'm not sure I like being this "connected." But who knows, I may LOVE it in a few weeks.
With it, I also have a new cell phone number. If you want it (I'm not going to post it on the blog) just leave me a note and I'll send it to you.
Love,

Home from Camp

2008-07-20T19:18:00.000-07:00

Delaney got home from camp tonight about 6:00. YEA!!! I sent her with my digital camera this year so she could get some fun pictures. She did much better than she did last year. These are pictures of a bunch of kids none of us know...but I put it together more for her than for us. It looks like she had a great time and made some great new friends. And she got all of the letters you and I sent. One day she got 3 at once, and that means you get thrown in the lake. (She was really HOPING for that!) Tomorrow morning she has to go to Rigby for Ballroom Dance Day Camp. She's a busy girl. Suntanned and tired with lots of bug bites. It's 8:21 and she's sound asleep in her own bed. Everyone in my family is back under one roof. Now I feel better too.

Having "Fun" at Funland

2008-07-17T18:20:00.000-07:00

A Little Something for my ESP

2008-07-16T12:27:00.000-07:00

Love you,

Cameron on Roller Skates

2008-07-15T19:19:00.001-07:00

It is very different when you just have one little person to focus on. Cameron is missing his sister, but relishing some alone time with Mom and Dad. This afternoon the weather was perfect and we all headed to the park so Cameron could test out his new skates. Then he got to pick what we had for dinner and, for reasons known only to him, he chose Taco Bell. (He doesn't even like Taco Bell.) We rode our bikes over, picked it up, and made it home in time for WIPEOUT! Another lovely day in paradise.
We're ALL missing Delaney but I bet she's already having a fabulous time. I got her care package in the mail today and they assured me it would arrive in time. I sent her a package of Double Stuff Oreo's, some assorted treats, and some temporary tatoos to share with the girls in her cabin. That should be fun!

Delaney and I want to make this treat

2008-07-15T09:04:00.000-07:00

Nutty Caramel Cookie Tart

Luscious layers of cookie, caramel and peanut butter stack up to a mouth-watering treat.

INGREDIENTS
1
roll (16.5 oz) Pillsbury® Create ‘n Bake® refrigerated sugar cookies
1/3
cup Fisher® Dry Roasted Peanuts
1/3
cup SMUCKER'S® Caramel Ice Cream Topping
1/4
cup JIF® Creamy Peanut Butter
1/2
teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2
cup peanut butter chips
1/4
cup white vanilla baking chips
DIRECTIONS
1.
Heat oven to 350°F. Press cookie dough evenly in bottom of ungreased 9-inch springform pan. (If dough is sticky, use floured fingers.) Bake 17 to 22 minutes or until light golden brown.
2.
Meanwhile, place peanuts in resealable food-storage plastic bag; seal bag. Crush peanuts with rolling pin or meat mallet; set aside.
3.
In medium microwavable bowl, microwave caramel topping, peanut butter and cinnamon uncovered on High 30 to 60 seconds or until hot and bubbly; stir well. Drizzle mixture evenly over partially baked crust. Sprinkle with peanut butter chips, vanilla baking chips and crushed peanuts.
4.
Bake 12 to 18 minutes longer or until edges are golden brown. Cool completely, about 1 hour 30 minutes.
5.
Run sharp knife carefully around edge of tart to loosen; remove side of pan. To serve, cut tart into wedges. Store tightly covered at room temperature.
High Altitude (3500-6500 ft): No change.

Test Drive

2008-07-15T08:49:00.000-07:00

We have been making some "Test Drive" commericals for Wackerli Auto in Idaho Falls. The radio spots get paired with these on-line videos at www.klce.com Here are the kids and I driving a Yukon Denali. ($56,000 18 MPG HA!)

Hey Alex! This is for you!

2008-07-15T08:34:00.000-07:00

Missing You

2008-07-14T16:24:00.000-07:00

Miss You today.
Love, love, love

Me

What a great weekend

2008-07-13T18:31:00.001-07:00

I can't imagine a better weekend. Golf tournament on Friday - Movie in air conditioned comfort with the kids on Saturday - Hiking into Big Elk Creek on Sunday!
AND, I'd like to mention that every detail of our day today was perfection. We started by meeting some friends at Starbucks - I had a Venti, triple shot, sugar-free caramel skinny latte. (Perfect)

We had made sandwiches to take along on our hike. Deli sliced turkey, ham and roast beef with havarti and some nice colby jack. Chris has grown some pretty little leaf lettuce in our garden and we had that on our sandwiches with that delicious mustard that the Saucy Sisters in Pocatello sell at the farmers market. (Ummmm yeah...Perfect)

We drove about 1 hour, just past Palisades Reservoir and turned left off the road. Just a little drive up a dirt road, past a campground and to the trailhead. No one had on a pedometer, so we're just guessing we hiked about 3 miles in. It was nice and cool in some areas, and the smells were amazing! We saw tons of wildflowers and some really incredible scenery in general. Delaney is getting really good at spotting and identifying different types of wildflowers and she is just a teriffic hiker. She always has been! She can go for miles and miles and miles and she never complains. She likes to stop and look around and she's one of those kids who seems to appreciate what she's seeing. Cameron, on the other hand, seems to struggle a little bit. He has a hard time finding a pace - so there is a lot of sprinting and stopping and sprintint and stopping. It makes it kind of hard to hike with him. Then he just goes, goes, goes until he's out of gas and the walk out can always be a little challenging. He won the family award for "Hiker Who Tried The Hardest" today. I should win the award for "Mom that encouraged a surly 6 year old for 3 miles!" We stopped at the Rainey Creek Store for a world famous square ice cream (Delaney had Rainey Creek Mudslide, Chris had Raspberries and Cream and Cameron and I both chose Rainbow Sherbet) (They were a Perfect treat after a long hike) and we made it home in plenty of time to have a hot shower and watch the Next Food Network Star!

Other fun details from our day -

We got to wade up to our hips in some seriously cold water!

Cameron and I drank heartily from a fresh mountain spring and I hope (for you Tuck Everlasting fans) that we don't stop aging as of today.

Hannah got a ton of exercise and is stiff and sore tonight.

We saw a ton of butterflies while we were hiking.

We saw 3 elk running through a wheatfield on our way to Big Elk Creek.

Hannah scared up some sage grouse that flew into a tree and then took off after a duck and ended up about a half mile downstream- LOL

We were dirty and hot and sweaty at the end of our day, but came home to hot showers, clean jammies, and some nice memories.

See? A perfect day!

There has to be a joke in here somewhere

2008-07-12T07:54:00.000-07:00

Wayne and I got invited to play in a celebrity golf tournament yesterday afternoon at Sand Creek Golf Club in Idaho Falls. I was pretty excited because I don't get to play as much as I would like to, and when you "have" to play golf for a work event, well...let's just say it's better than your average workday.
When we got there, Wayne and I found out we would be separated (apparently there just weren't enough "celebrities" to go around) It's set up so that I would play 3 holes with one group, wait for the next group to come up, play 3 holes with them, wait for the next group and so on and so on.
I headed to #10 to meet my first group. Four guys that work at the site - a bunch of engineers - and really good golfers. I was nervous for several reasons. 1. I'm a pretty low level "celebrity." 2. I'm not a very good golfer by any means. Walking up to strangers and introducing myself, and then teeing it up and driving down the fairway was pretty daunting. But I got off to a great start - 240 yard drive right down the middle. It was pretty!
Then I took out my 7 iron and was onto the green in 2. NICE! Feeling good now - ready to play on.
At hole #13 those guys moved on, and I got a new group. Again 4 guys from the site - all engineers - all members of the Eagles Lodge - all drinking vodka punch out of a cooler on the back of their cart. FUNNY! We had a pretty good time, but I played like poop for the next three holes. Except, on hole #13 I did get onto the green in 1.
So then as I was on hole #15 (my last hole with this group) I came around the corner and saw Wayne! He said he was playing poorly and was coming to check on me and see if I was doing all right. He had already introduced me to a man that I knew would be in my next group - the Stake President of our LDS "stake." (Stakes are larger geographic areas the church uses to break its huge congregation into smaller groups, and "wards" are smaller still--just some Mormon education for you uninformed gentiles). So I know I'm leaving the drinking Eagles, and playing 3 holes with the serious golfing Mormons. I know what I'm in for.
Then things went all hinkey - Wayne is friends with the stake president and his group so he wants to play with them even though it's my turn. Wayne decides he'll just play the next 3 holes with this group and I should stick with them too. Now we have SIX golfers instead of the expected 5. It's weird, it's taking us a long time to play, and it's a little awkward because these are Wayne's real world friends and I feel a little like a third-wheel. But after a while it starts to be kind of fun. The stake president is a very nice man and a CPA. He is playing with the retail manager of Deseret Industries in Rexburg, a dentist, and a man who sells headstones and monuments and burial stuff - he does the chair and tent set up at funerals and even moves the occasional body from here to there. (I'm not really sure either, let's just move on.)
A very nice group of men (and all really good golfers!) But I realized there was a joke brewing when I found out I was playing golf with...
Two Stake Presidents
One Acting Bishop and Two Released Bishops.
Yep, One Episopalian and five Mormon Bishops walk onto the golf course...You can fill in the rest of the joke for yourself.
I had a ball, played pretty well most of the day, made some new friends, and managed to not embarass myself or Wayne. A good day!

Delaney at camp

2008-07-07T11:44:00.000-07:00

Delaney is off to camp again soon. She leaves on the 15th of July. Last year we all tried to send her letters, but nothing made it to her because of the delay. I thought I would get a jump on things this year and start sending letters and a care package right now - LOL
If you would also like to write to Delaney at camp you can send your notes to
Delaney Hunt
Paradise Point Camp
PO Box 764
McCall, ID 83638

Baby Butts

2008-07-07T06:11:00.000-07:00

Whoops! I was so busy on the 4th of July (Radio stations work ALL DAY LONG on the 4th) I didn't take a single picture or video. Even when we got home and let the kids have their sparklers and a couple fountains in the driveway, I still didn't remember to get out my camera. I'm sorry.
Fortunately, Chris took this one cute shot on his cell phone while they were waiting for the big fireworks show to begin.
I think we managed to have a pretty nice 4th of July "Holiday" in spite of my work schedule, and the fact that Chris doesn't like to be dragged to parades and fireworks shows, BBQ's, etc...etc...
I hope you had some fun, blew up some stuff and ate too much!

You think you're sooooo funny!

2008-07-02T10:30:00.001-07:00

Wayne and Liza,

It is to bad you are promoting violence as a "wholesome family activity". Your enthusiasm for watching a fight break out at the recent Idaho Falls Chuckars game is indeed a sad example of our society.
If you look at today's MSN News stories you will find an article about one man killing another at a community league softball game...is this what you are advocating on your KLCE show? If so, I am done listening to your program.
The amount of violence in our society rises every year. What is even more depressing is when public personalities, such as yourselves, make light of violence such as this.
I will never attend a Chuckars game if it means my children may have to witness persons such as Liza standing up, cheering for, and then laughing on air, about meaningless violence.
Liza, from now on, I would recommend you rethink what you share with your listeners on the air.

Sincerely,

Dave Butler

Happy 2nd of July!

2008-07-02T05:33:00.000-07:00

The Constitution of the United States took effect on this day in 1788

It's the greatest day EVER!

2008-06-26T06:34:00.000-07:00

NATIONAL BOMB POP DAY * The Bomb Pop, invented in 1955 on Independence Ave. in Kansas City, MO, has roots in true Americana. This six-finned summertime treat is used to celebrate patriotism in conjunction with Fourth of July celebrations.

Where have all the flowers gone?

2008-06-14T17:12:00.000-07:00

I got 2 pink rose bushes called "Nearly Wild Roses" that are going to help keep Hannah B. out of the flower bed.

I also picked up a lovely tall Delphinium. A gorgeous Lupine. 2 lovely yellow Corpelis. Some Black Eyed Susans. An orange thing called a Blanket flower. Oh, and 2 Clematis (44% off) to climb up the trellis. Keep your fingers crossed.

Guess who had cereal for lunch?

2008-06-13T11:50:00.001-07:00

Clearly a woman who enjoys Rice Chex!

Why Courtney got Fired!

2008-06-13T10:54:00.000-07:00

I pulled into the driveway after work last week to find Cameron looking like this....

Yep - he's wearing his pajama shirt, blue jeans, flip flops and swim goggles. And she let him go outside in the neighborhood! And he couldn't figure out why I thought this was an unacceptable outfit!
(PS - Of course she's not really fired. I like to fire her about once a week just to keep her on her toes. We would be lost without the lovely and talented Courtney)

Our life IS the show sometimes

2008-06-11T09:16:00.000-07:00

Trail Through Time

2008-06-04T19:23:00.000-07:00

So, the kids and I were driving home from Colorado when we came across a sign that read, "Trail Through Time." Of course, we HAD to pull over and check it out... and are we glad we did... the kids got to actually touch an actual fossilized diplodachus skeleton spread out in the rocks. We also saw lizards and took in some great views of Rabbit Valley on the Utah-Colorado border. It was a nice diversion from a long ride home in the truck. Enjoy!

It is STILL raining!

2008-06-04T08:31:00.000-07:00

This is what you must have to fend off the "dreariness" of another rainy day. Beef Barley soup, whole wheat toast, iced tea, and a sweater I stole from my Tall Friend Amy as she was leaving town.

And yes...I know I should not be eating in the studio. Get over it.

Unloading The Camera

2008-06-02T11:26:00.000-07:00

It's a pot-luck of pictures today. This is everything that was on my camera. Now I can start fresh with summer fun now that the children are HOME!!!

For Denise

2008-05-28T05:05:00.000-07:00

I don't really care. It doesn't make any difference to me at all. I haven't watched a single game. But when I read that the Lakers beat the Spurs and lead the series 3-1 I knew my friend Denise would be upset. So this is just a little Spurs CHEER from Idaho. (and Denise...I'm crossing my fingers for you!)

GO SPURS!!!

The Babies Are On Vacation

2008-05-27T21:11:00.000-07:00

The children have gone off to Colorado for a week of fun with the Grandp's. First stop, Grandma and Grandpa Mort's house. Today they took a picnic and headed to one of my favorite places, Rifle Falls.

Silver Creek

2008-05-27T15:35:00.000-07:00

I last fished Silver Creek in the Colorado Rockies over 11 years ago... I went back yesterday.

The last time I fished it, I was the news editor of the Mountain Mail in Salida, Colo., and Liza and I were childless, and about five months away from leaving Colorado for California. Now, we've got two great kids and life is good...

Thankfully, Silver Creek is, too...

Cameron's Graduation

2008-05-21T20:23:00.000-07:00

It's my birthday

2008-05-19T20:24:00.000-07:00

It was a lovely day. I got some flowers and some T-Shirts and some matching earrings from my Tall Friend Amy. My lovely Mother-In-Law sent me a cool heart rate monitor that is great for working out (I burned 782 calories at my workout today) My Mommy sent me some shiney copper bracelets and some beautiful bowls with sheep on them. (I do love things with sheep on them!) Chris and the babies had my car detailed and when we went to pick it up it was not acceptable. So we were very brave and took it back and said "do it again!" It looks very nice now and I love a clean car!

We went to the chinese place for dinner and had the whole place to ourselves...bought a lottery ticket with our lucky fortune cookie numbers, scratched a ticket and won $10!!!

Mrs. Nelson just came by with a large print book (LOL) called Everyday Greatness. It has inspirational quotes and stories and I love it.

Wayne took me out to lunch for a chicken sandwich at Rupes and I drank a gallon of iced tea. Doesn't that sound like a great birthday/

Oh, and I stopped by the bank only to find my friends singing and bearing gifts. (I love living in Idaho Falls - and I love my friends!)

Liza's KLCE Van Crash

2008-05-18T20:27:00.000-07:00

She Made It!

2008-05-16T11:28:00.001-07:00

She's ON The Team!

Pre-Teen Show A
COACH: Jodi Hepworth
Class Time: Tech. Class, Tues. 4:45-5:45
Team, Tues. 5:45-7:00

GIRLS
1. Morgan Cloward
2. Jennifer Hill
3. Delaney Hunt
4. Kayla Johnson
5. Abbi Kunz
6. Sara Lott
7. Lily Murdoch
8. Braily Rosenberg
9. Rachael Seedall - our friend Rachel too!
10. Sara Shippen
11. Kaeli Tschikof
12. Gates Williams

BOYS
1. Chance Briggs
2. McKade Christensen
3. Logan Christensen
4. Preston Cook - a very good dancer
5. Nicholas Eldridge
6. Seth Eldridge
7. Drake Huston
8. Forrest Inskeep
9. Jake Kunde
10. Jacob Madsen - more importantly...a very TALL dancer (whew!)
11. Avery Satterthwaite
12. Tyler Austin

Cameron's 6th Birthday

2008-05-12T21:31:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day '08 - A Carpumentary

2008-05-11T20:43:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day Carp

2008-05-11T17:56:00.000-07:00

Unbelievable!

I need a Kleenex!

2008-05-07T10:05:00.000-07:00

A baby asked God, 'They tell me you are sending me to earth tomorrow, but how am I going to live there being so small and helpless?'

God said, 'Your angel will be waiting for you and will take care of you.

'The child further inquired, 'But tell me, here in heaven I don't have to do anything but sing and smile to be happy.'

God said, 'Your angel will sing for you and will also smile for you. And you will feel your angel's love and be very happy.

'Again the child asked, 'And how am I going to be able to understand when people talk to me if I don't know the language?'

God said, 'Your angel will tell you the most beautiful and sweet words you will ever hear, and with much patience and care, your angel will teach you how to speak.'

'And what am I going to do when I want to talk to you?'

God said, 'Your angel will place your hands together and will teach you how to pray.'

'Who will protect me?'

God said, 'Your angel will defend you even if it means risking its life.

''But I will always be sad because I will not see you anymore.'

God said, 'Your angel will always talk to you about Me and will teach you the way to come back to Me, even though I will always be next to you.

'At that moment there was much peace in Heaven, but voices from Earth could be heard and the child hurriedly asked, 'God, if I am to leave now, please tell me my angel's name.'God said, 'You will simply call her, 'Mom.'